Ahhhh, Istria

Slept (barely!) in car next to coliseum, we got up at 5:30am when we couldn't take it any longer, and explored pula castle at dawn. We had to wait for the cafes to open at seven before we could get our morning cappuccinos.
At about eight we headed out for Vodnjan, famous for mummies (sweet preserved dead saints) and olive oil.
Olive oil tastings ensued! We ended up knocking on the doors of the olive oil producers/families, and they let us come in and taste, very friendly and nice . One guy had vats set up on recent room of his house.
The third place we went served is Olive oil on icecream! We chatted with this guy for the better part of an hour about all the best places in Istria. He taught us the poper way to taste olive oil (warmed up to the heat of your body like 28 degrees and then you can smell it and taste I better). On his recommendation we headed to the coastal city f Rovinj. Built mostly by the venetians, this "new Tuscany" might be even better than the old one.
Winding alleys full of art galleries, hand made clothes and jewelry, and little cafes all in these old Venetian style buildings hanging with flowers and laundry. I bought two pair of earrings and took lots of pictures! Could have spent all day there:)
Next we had Seafood lunch on the bank of the Limska Draga Fjord. So delicious! And tasted more local alcohol from some street stands, before winding our way to a vineyard.
Laden with olive oil and wine, we are staying in a little town in an old barn that has been refurbished as a guest house! It's super cute.

Tomorrow we hunt for more vino and tartufel ---wine and truffles!